In 1984, after Reagan's weak first debate, he roared back in the next one.

And in 2008, after Obama grimaced, he resolved to "to get this right" ("Game Change").

Tip: Anyone can have a bad night—what matters is what you do the next day.

Forget perfect. Commit to continuous, never-ending improvement.

Consultant, author, speaker, and founder of express potential® (www.expresspotential.com), Paul Hellman has worked with CEOs, executives, and managers at leading companies for over 25 years to improve performance and productivity at work. His latest book is “Naked at Work: How to Stay Sane When Your Job Drives You Crazy,” and his columns have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post and other leading papers.